Thursday, March 10, 2016

Ireland 2016St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick was a 5th century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Known as the "Apostle of Ireland", he is Ireland's patron saint.It is said that when Patrick was about 16 years old he was captured by Irish pirates from his home in Great Britain, and taken to Ireland to work as a slave. He was held captive for six years before escaping and returning to his family. Patrick became a cleric and returned to Ireland to spread Christianity.This year's stamp, designed by Steve Simpson, is based on an illustration by John Kindness of a young Patrick in slavery with Slemish Mountain (Co. Antrim) in the background.